Failing a module at uni usually does not mean you’re instantly kicked out, but it can affect your credits, graduation timeline, and sometimes your degree classification, depending on the university and how many times you fail. Most students get at least one chance to resit or retake the module, often with some conditions and possible extra costs.

The basics: what “failing a module” means

  • A module is typically worth a set number of credits; failing it means you don’t earn those credits and fall short of the yearly requirement (often 120 credits per year for a full-time undergrad).
  • Many universities treat under 40% as a fail for undergraduate modules, though the exact pass mark and grading rules vary by institution.

What usually happens first

  • Most universities offer a resit : you redo the exam or assignment you failed, normally during a reassessment period (often in summer).
  • If you pass the resit, you usually gain the credits; at some universities the mark may be capped (e.g., capped at the pass mark) so it does not boost your overall grade too much.

If you fail the resit

  • If you fail again, you may have to retake the whole module in the next academic year, including attending classes and redoing all assessments, often with extra fees.
  • Some universities may instead require you to repeat the entire year if you are missing too many credits, or in stricter cases they can terminate your studies on that course.

First year vs later years

  • In first year, universities are often more flexible; you might be allowed resits and limited credit shortfall, but you still need enough credits to progress.
  • In final year, failing a module can block graduation; occasionally, if you’re only missing a small amount, you might graduate without honours or with a lower award, but policies differ.

Other consequences and what to do

  • Failing can increase stress, anxiety, and impact confidence, so it is important to seek academic support, wellbeing services, or tutoring early.
  • Best immediate steps are: check your university regulations, talk to your module tutor or course director, and clarify options for resits, retakes, and progression before making big decisions.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.